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Our Favorite Cruise Packing Essentials
Our Favorite Cruise Packing Essentials
Packing and organizing for a cruise is different from a land-based vacation. so, we've compiled a list of our favorite things to pack for the ship.
FYI - The links below are affiliate links to Amazon and we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
Accessories & Packing
Accessories & Packing
Packing Cubes
If you haven't jumped on the packing cube bandwagon yet, your cruise is a great trip to start with. Packing cubes keep all of your clothes and items organized and also make unpacking a breeze, you simply move the packing cube from suitcase to drawer. You can get sets in a different color for each family member, use them to organize clothes for your carry-on, and then fill them up with laundry during your trip. These packing cubes on Amazon are my favorite and have held up to many uses so far. They also come in multiple colors to help separate everyones stuff!
Luggage Tag Holders
Before getting on the ship, you will drop your checked luggage off. The cruise lines use luggage tags just like airlines to sort your luggage and deliver it to your stateroom. Most cruise lines require you to print out these luggage tags yourself. To ensure these don't get lost or damaged, we use luggage tag holders.
Clear Organizers
I had a tough time with this one because I love toiletry bags with fun patterns. But, when I made the switch to clear bags, I noticed I spend a lot less time trying to find stuff because, the obvious, it's see through! I started with these bags for small items and then ordered this set once I was hooked.
Small Bag for Around the Ship
Especially if you're on a warm weather cruise, you may not have pockets to hold your essentials. Pack a hip bag or similar to hold your phone, sunblock, cruise key card, chapstick, etc. I've used this bag from Amazon on 10 trips and it hasn't failed. I also use it in the airport / plane to have quick access to my phone, ID, passport, etc.
Beach Bag | Port Bag | Carry-On Bag
To save room, I try to bring one bag that can be used for multiple things. These bags are a good size to hold a days worth of things, are light weight, and easy to pack.
On embarkation and debarkation days, you'll need a bag to hold anything you need until getting your checked-in luggage. This could include your swimsuit, medication, sunblock, hats, etc. Check out our post on packing your cruise carry-on bag.
For going ashore, you may want to bring water or (sealed) snacks from the ship. Be aware, you can't bring the water or snacks back on to the ship. Some excursions require you to bring your own towel, snorkel, water shoes, change of clothes, sunblock, bug spray etc. Look ahead to all your excursions and plans and find a bag to accommodate these needs.
Lanyard
You will receive a card on your cruise that you'll need to access your room, check in for meals, charge drinks, etc. A lot of people like using lanyards to keep track of their card. I especially recommend this method for kids. You can search around sites like Etsy for personalized or themed lanyards. On a group cruise recently, I gave everyone one of these nautical themed lanyards.
Phone Wallet
If you have an iPhone compatible with MagSafe, my favorite alternative to the lanyard, is a this wallet. It attaches to your phone, holds your cruise card, ID, etc. and as a bonus, it sticks to your cruise cabins walls.
Items for your Cabin
Items for your Cabin
Cruise ship cabins are typically very small - unless you're booking a suite or concierge level room. These items make your cabin more comfortable and organized.
Power Strip
There are a limited number of outlets in the cabins. The caveat to bringing a power stip is that it must be cruise line approved so double check with your cruise line before purchasing. I like this one because it has plenty of outlets plus usb and usb-c plugs!
Magnetic Hooks
The walls of the cabin are magnetic so it makes sense to take advantage of this! The closet space was limited on our last cruise and the magnetic hooks saved the day. I used these hooks on our last cruise and each one held a few sweaters/hoodies, hats, belt bag, lanyards, without slipping down the wall. The hooks are small and can be easily tucked into the corners of your luggage.
Travel Fan
If you have an inside or window only cabin, this is a must. You can control the temperature in your room via thermostat but, it's nice to have the option of a fan just incase. These travel fans from Vortex have two speeds and fold flat for packing.
Toiletries
Toiletries
In addition to what you normally pack for a trip, these are items I add to my bag.
Clothing Refreshing Spray
Clothes tend to get wrinkled in transit, these sprays can help release wrinkles and freshen your clothes. I like this spray from Downy.
Gold Bond Powder
This powder performs in multiple situations including anti-chaffing, moisture absorption, itch/bug bit treatment. In a pinch, you could even use it in place of dry shampoo. You can usually find small bottles in the travel section at Target.
Body Glide Stick
This product is used to prevent chafing but also can be used to soothe sunburn and rash. Bonus, for it's easy application and it comes in multiple sizes. This pack from Amazon has a full size and a bonus small stick.
Advil | Tylenol | Benadryl | Tums
This might seem standard to some but, it's important to have your own supply of these over the counter medications so you can avoid high prices on the ship or in ports. Also pack the kids version if you're travelling with little ones. To save space, I transfer the meds to this medication organizer and use labels to keep everything organized. It's meant for sorting daily medication, but it has worked well in my travels and I also use one to keep Advil in the car and my work bag.
Motion Sickness Medication
Even if you're not prone to motion sickness, pack something like dramamine just in case. It might save your day or trip. Don't forget to pack the kid version of the medication if travelling with little ones.
Aquaphor
I do not leave home without this product. It soothes dry lips, dry skin, rash, sunburn, chafing, bug bites, diaper rash, etc. Aquaphor is easy to find at Target, Walmart, etc. or find it on Amazon.
Aquaphor Anti Itch Cream
This is a more specialized Aquaphor for those of use prone to itchy skin from allergies or bug bites. This one is also at all the local stores and on Amazon.
Bug Spray
Packing bug spray may depend on your location of travel but, like everything else, it is better safe-than-sorry and bringing your own helps avoid high prices while you travel.
Sunblock
Like everything else, if you forget this one at home you'll be paying a premium to pick it up on the ship or at a cruise port.
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